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Restore @ Tanjong Pagar

Located right behind a bus-stop along Tanjong Pagar Road is this understated cafe which for those who are unaware, might think of this place to be a furniture shop. Wait…on second look, it is a furniture shop but with a cafe within (or is it the other way round?)

Welcome to Restore, probably one of the coziest cafe I’ve been so far.

I would describe the feeling of stepping into Restore to be rather unique and quite different. If you are looking for some well-restored vintage furnitures, this is probably the place to consider. Personally, I fancied some of the furnitures that they have for sale but it’s just not the right time to buy any.

I have not actually got the chance to speak to the owner but I feel Restore is probably a furniture shop first and cafe second kind of place. Having said that, don’t let that make you think that the food here ain’t worth coming for. On the contrary, I already found myself stopping by the cosy cafe twice in a month.

I have to say, if you are looking for some breakfast with sausages and bacon, Restore is not the place to go. However, if you have the craving for some good-ol’ bagels, muffins, homemade waffles or simply just to have a cup of coffee and desserts, this is definitely the right place. Restore’s menu is made up primarily of these items – simple yet hearty stuffs right here.

Berry Good ($9.80)

I kind of like the names Restore gives to all of its waffle-based items. This “Berry Good” comes with freshly sliced strawberries and blueberries, topped with icing sugar and freshly whipped cream.

Going Bananas ($9.80) with
added Blueberries ($1)

Think of this as the upsized version of Berry Good. The maple syrup might be a bit too diluted, especially for those who like their maple syrup thick and sweet but to be honest, the overall standard is still acceptable.

Chocolate makes me happy, no doubt about it. This is some sinful yet simply pure indulging stuff but definitely not for those who are watching their calories intake.

One thing worth mentioning is the consistency of the waffles. During my two visits, the waffles are served fresh and warm. Fruits served with the waffles are really fresh too.

Honey Wholewheat Bagel with Plain Cream Cheese ($5.50)

All bagels are served with choice of either plain cream cheese, caramel cream cheese or maple syrup walnut cream cheese. Didn’t have the chance to try all of these spreads but that doesn’t hide the fact that both the bagel and cream cheese really complement each other well. The bagels are lightly toasted before serving so spread that cheese well once it reaches your table!

Cappucino ($4.50)

The Cappucino here is surprisingly good. For it’s price you get a huge cup of thick and foamy Cappucino, accompanied with a piece of very-delicious Earl Grey Cookies which is a must-try in my opinion. For those who likes the Earl Grey Cookies can also get them of in a box of 4 pieces ($3.50) or 12 pieces ($9.80), subject to availability.

If tea is your type of beverage, try out Restore’s hot and iced teas for $4.50 and $4.80 respectively. Enjoy them as-is or add some sugar and you are good to go. On a side note, I really like the vintage tea cup meant for the hot teas!

Chamomile Dream ($4.50)

Straits Chai ($4.80)

Conclusion
If you happen to be around the area, do come by and check this furniture shop cum cafe place. Restore is really one cafe that I really enjoy visiting of late due to its cosy setting. Who knows, you might even pick up a piece of their well-restored furniture home?